South Holland, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) is seeking participants for the Adult Volunteer Literacy (AVL) Tutoring Program. The program is structured to train volunteers to become one-on-one tutors for adults in need of basic literacy skills. Instruction in basic literacy includes the development of phonetic reading skills, whole language experience, combined with effective communication skills. Residents are welcome to volunteer as tutors and encourage others to take advantage of this free professional development opportunity.

Once certified, SSC’s volunteer literacy tutors will visit adult learners at locations in or near their community. Tutoring is flexibly scheduled based on the availability of tutors, learners, and tutoring sites. The following locations have been established as tutoring sites: Acorn Public Library in Oak Forest, Glenwood-Lynwood Library, Harvey Public Library, Phoenix Public Library, Calumet City Public Library, Grande Prairie Library in Hazel Crest, Homewood Public Library, South Holland Public Library, South Suburban College Main Campus Library in South Holland, South Suburban College Oak Forest Center Library in Oak Forest, Lansing Public Library, Dolton Public Library, Riverdale Public Library, Blue Island Public Library, Dixmoor Public Library, Tinley Park Public Library, Markham Public Library, Midlothian Public Library, and Thornton Public Library.

Illiteracy can be debilitating in many ways for adults who have not received the proper instruction and it can have profound effects on various aspects of their lives. Adults who are unable to read experience difficulty completing many daily activities that others may take for granted, along with a disadvantage in today’s competitive job market.

SSC’s Office of Adult Education administers the Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program in addition to High School Equivalency (HSE), English as a Second Language (ESL), and Adult Basic Education (ABE). These opportunities are made possible by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, using state funds designated for literacy.

The May training will take place at the South Suburban College Main Campus in South Holland, IL on Tuesdays and Thursdays from May 7 through May 23, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This 12-hour program culminates with literacy training certification. Tutors will continue to receive free professional development services throughout this program. Successful tutors are also eligible for letters of support or recommendation for jobs, scholarships, educational opportunities, and more. For additional information, or to register, please contact David Stephens, Adult Literacy Grants Manager, at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2558 or email DStephens@ssc.edu.

PHOTO: South Suburban College Main Campus Aerial View.